Dance Instructors at Elite Stars Dance Academy

Danielle has been dancing since she was 3 years old, training in all styles with a strong focus on salsa. She began dancing professionally at 13 and has traveled the world with well-known dance companies, even performing for legendary artists like Roberto Roena, Ismael Miranda, Tito Rojas, and Eddie Palmieri. Danielle attended the Professional Performing Arts School, where she trained with Alvin Ailey Dance and continued to grow as both a dancer and performer. Now, as the main salsa teacher at Elite Stars Dance Academy, she also teaches hip hop classes, ballet, and musical theater. Danielle choreographs for all of Elite’s salsa teams, with the exception of Fuerza de Fuego, and loves sharing her experience through the dance mentorship program, inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Mariah is a Bronx native who began her dance journey at the age of 6. At the Elite Stars Dance Academy, she will be teaching hip hop classes for all age groups and levels, as well as offering one beginner/intermediate salsa class as part of her dance mentorship program. An alumni of Elite Stars, Mariah has performed on numerous stages throughout her life, including locations in Puerto Rico, Miami, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, and many local areas in New York. She has also danced behind various local artists in NY. With her well-rounded skills in street dance, Latin dance, and commercial dance, Mariah has dedicated the past 7 years to teaching the youth.

Maxine began dancing at the age of 6, training in ballet, salsa, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, and jazz. She trained with instructors from Alvin Ailey and competed for two years, earning multiple titles. She spent six years at Elite Stars Dance Academy, performing and traveling to places such as Texas, California, Miami, Baltimore, & Puerto Rico. After graduating high school, she joined a hip-hop team in college, eventually becoming team president in her senior year. Following college, Maxine returned to Elite as a teacher and joined Moore Mambo Ladies under the direction of Stephany Moore. In the upcoming season, she will be teaching contemporary, salsa classes, jazz, and ballet, while continuing to choreograph for the Contemporary and All Girls Travel teams alongside her involvement in the dance mentorship program.

Steven and Steffani are a fusion dance duo at Elite Stars Dance Academy who have been teaching and dancing collectively for over 15 years. They have trained in various styles, including hip-hop, ballroom, contemporary, salsa, bachata, merengue, and musical theatre. Through their dance mentorship program, they combine their extensive experience in choreographing, competing, and performing live to bring something unique to their pieces. At Elite, they not only run the bachata team but also teach salsa classes and hip hop classes for teens.

Sam danced for 10 years, taking tap for 8 of those years, which led it to become one of her favorite styles. Alongside her dance training, she also pursued Karate. Under the guidance of her godfather, Joseph Rivera, and Excel Martial Arts, she ultimately earned her red belt. Currently, she continues her karate training while dedicating her passion to the youth as an elementary art teacher, the Creative Director for Elite Stars Dance Academy, and the owner and founder of Elite Stars Kids Club. Additionally, she teaches tap, stretching, and conditioning classes, and is excited to incorporate hip hop classes and salsa classes into her dance mentorship program.

This upcoming season at Elite Stars Dance Academy, Kaitlyn will be teaching salsa classes and bachata, two styles that are especially close to her heart. Having been a part of the studio for 12 years, first as a student and now as an instructor, she has grown not only in technique but also in her love for dance and the incredible community that surrounds it. As part of the dance mentorship program, Kaitlyn is excited to continue sharing that passion with her students and looks forward to helping them grow in their own dance journeys, which may also include exploring hip hop classes.

Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Matthew discovered his passion for step dancing in the 6th grade and taught himself the art. He later joined a team in high school, participating in various performances. During his college years, he established a student step team and has been actively teaching ever since, contributing to the dance mentorship program at Elite Stars Dance Academy, where he also incorporates hip hop classes and salsa classes into his curriculum.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Oscar began his dance journey at 22 as a way to reconnect with his heritage. What started as an exploration of Latin dance grew into a passion that has taken him across the globe, training with renowned artists and earning championship titles in cha-cha, bachata, and salsa. Since moving to NYC in 2022, Oscar has immersed himself in the heart of the global Latin dance scene, performing with top professional teams and gracing major stages worldwide. Additionally, he has become an integral part of the dance mentorship program at Elite Stars Dance Academy, where he shares his knowledge of salsa classes and hip hop classes with aspiring dancers. Honoring his Afro-Latin roots, he continues to inspire others to embrace their identity and pursue their passions fearlessly.

Brianna has been dancing since she was 4 years old, and it’s always been a part of who she is. What started as a childhood passion grew into a lifelong love for movement and expression. Now she is a Bachata dance instructor at the Elite Stars Dance Academy, where she shares her energy, culture, and passion for dance through various programs, including salsa classes and hip hop classes, while also offering a dance mentorship program to inspire others.